Dubai, July 2025 – The Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX), one of the leading B2B platforms for the MICE, wedding, and luxury events industry in the region, has announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with the Middle East chapter of ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association).
This renewed collaboration marks a significant step forward, as it will include qualified representatives from international associations in EPEX’s Hosted Buyer Programme for the first time. Most of these specially invited guests represent medical associations and have a genuine interest in hosting future congresses in the Middle East — a unique opportunity for destinations and suppliers across the region.
Participation of international Associations
For the first time, leaders from global associations will actively participate in EPEX 2025 to share their destination selection criteria and explore future collaborations. This gives exhibitors and destination partners valuable insight into the real needs behind large-scale international congresses.
ICCA Leadership Session
A key highlight will be the special ICCA leadership session, titled:
“More Than Meetings: How Association Congresses Create Impact, Legacy, and Destination Strategies.”
Moderated by Anju Gomes (ICCA ME), the session will showcase how associations align with national agendas and contribute to long-term knowledge exchange and community development.
Year-Round Collaboration
Participation of international Associations
For the first time, leaders from global associations will actively participate in EPEX 2025 to share their destination selection criteria and explore future collaborations. This gives exhibitors and destination partners valuable insight into the real needs behind large-scale international congresses.
ICCA Leadership Session
A key highlight will be the special ICCA leadership session, titled:
“More Than Meetings: How Association Congresses Create Impact, Legacy, and Destination Strategies.”
Moderated by Anju Gomes (ICCA ME), the session will showcase how associations align with national agendas and contribute to long-term knowledge exchange and community development.
Year-Round Collaboration
Beyond the main event, EPEX and ICCA will collaborate throughout the year with initiatives such as:
- Promoting and onboarding new ICCA members in the region
- Ongoing media coverage of ICCA activities and the ICCA Middle East Regional Summit
- Supporting congresses and forums through Experiential Planner Digital and EVENTFAQS India
Key Statements
“This collaboration brings a new dimension to EPEX by enabling real conversations around legacy and shared value creation,” said Karishma Hundalani, Head of Brand & Content at POW WOW Marketing.
“We are reinforcing our commitment to the sustainable growth of MICE in the region,” added Anju Gomes, Regional Director of ICCA Middle East.
A New Milestone in Positioning the Middle East as a Global Events Hub
With this renewed chapter, EPEX and ICCA not only strengthen their shared vision but also reinforce the Middle East’s role as a strategic epicenter for meetings tourism, where innovation, knowledge, and international collaboration converge.
Source: Press Release – ICCA & EPEX 2025